Mobile virtual communication and entertainment service

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method including providing, by a processor in a dongle coupled to a display device, a graphical user interface at the display device, and transmitting a message to an authentication server in accordance with authentication information stored in a storage device of the dongle and an input via the graphical user interface. The method also includes obtaining an authentication confirmation; obtaining content from a content server; and recording the content in accordance with a second input via the graphical user interface. The recorded content is transmitted for storage at a storage server. The display device communicates with equipment of a video provider that is associated with a service area. In accordance with the authentication confirmation, the processor is authorized to obtain the content based on the location of the dongle relative to the service area. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a mobile virtual communication andentertainment service.

BACKGROUND

Video content providers typically send content to display devices ofconsumers located in defined service areas via wired or wirelessconnections. A consumer may use a digital video recorder (DVR),co-located with the display device, to record desired content.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a display device displaying a graphicaluser interface, a user-operated remote control, and a USB dongleconnected to the display device, in accordance with an embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the display device and USB dongle ofFIG. 1 in communication with application, content and authorizationservers, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of software functions of thegraphical user interface and the USB dongle;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a USB dongle that is portable outside aservice area of a video provider, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used in portionsof the system described in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system thatprovides media services to the display device and USB dongle of FIGS.1-4;

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal forinteracting with the communication systems of FIGS. 1-4 and 6;

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device; and

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for virtualization of DVR functionality, using a USB donglethat is portable between display devices. Other embodiments aredescribed in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include software for avirtual DVR is located on a USB dongle that can be connected to anymedia display device (television, laptop, tablet, etc.). The dongle canobtain media content from a cloud server at any location; media accessis not limited to the particular service area of a video provider. Inparticular embodiments, the USB dongle is Ethernet based and includes agraphical user interface (GUI) providing functionality similar to thatof a conventional set top box. The display device with the USB donglecan receive content from a content server and store recorded content ina storage server.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a device comprising amemory to store instructions and a controller coupled to the memory. Thecontroller, responsive to executing the instructions, performsoperations. The operations include providing a graphical user interfaceat a display device, and transmitting an authentication message to aremote authentication server in accordance with authenticationinformation stored in the memory and a first input via the graphicaluser interface. The operations also include obtaining an authenticationconfirmation from the authentication server, obtaining content from aremote content server, and recording the content in accordance with asecond input via the graphical user interface. The operations furtherinclude transmitting the recorded content for storage at a remotestorage server. The device also comprises a global positioning systemfor determining a location for the device. The device comprises a donglehaving a connector for connecting to the display device; the displaydevice is a subscriber device communicating with equipment of a videoprovider, the video provider being associated with a service area. Theauthentication information comprises information regarding specifiedmedia channels. In accordance with the authentication confirmation, thedevice is authorized to obtain content via the specified media channelsbased on the location of the device relative to the service area. Thedevice communicates with the content server and the storage server viathe internet.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a computer-readablestorage device comprising instructions which, when executed by aprocessor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operationscomprise providing a graphical user interface at a display device; thestorage device is coupled to the display device. The operations alsocomprise transmitting an authentication message to a remoteauthentication server in accordance with authentication informationstored in the storage device and a first input via the graphical userinterface, and obtaining an authentication confirmation from theauthentication server. The operations also comprise obtaining contentfrom a remote content server, recording the content in accordance with asecond input via the graphical user interface, and transmitting therecorded content for storage at a remote storage server. The operationsfurther comprise obtaining a location for the storage device. Thedisplay device is a subscriber device communicating with equipment of avideo provider; the authentication information comprises informationregarding specified media channels; and in accordance with theauthentication confirmation, the processor is authorized to obtaincontent via the specified media channels based on the location of thestorage device.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a method comprisingproviding, by a processor in a dongle coupled to a display device, agraphical user interface at the display device, and transmitting, by theprocessor, an authentication message to a remote authentication serverin accordance with authentication information stored in a storage deviceof the dongle and a first input via the graphical user interface. Themethod also comprises obtaining, by the processor, an authenticationconfirmation from the authentication server; obtaining, by theprocessor, content from a remote content server; and recording, by theprocessor, the content in accordance with a second input via thegraphical user interface. The method further comprises transmitting, bythe processor, the recorded content for storage at a remote storageserver; and obtaining, by the processor, a location for the storagedevice. The display device is a subscriber device communicating withequipment of a video provider, and the video provider is associated witha service area. In accordance with the authentication confirmation, theprocessor is authorized to obtain the content based on the location ofthe dongle relative to the service area.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a video display andrecording system 100, in which a dongle 101 with a connector 102 (e.g.,a USB connector) connects to a display device 110 having a displayscreen 120. The USB dongle 101 includes software for performing variousfunctions detailed below. In this embodiment, the USB dongle includessoftware to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that is displayedon a portion 130 of the display screen. A user 160 can control thedisplay device with a remote control 150. In this embodiment, the usercan make inputs to the GUI by pressing one or more buttons on the remotecontrol 150. In an alternative embodiment, the portion 130 of thedisplay screen corresponding to the GUI can function as a touchscreenaccepting inputs directly from the user.

The software of USB dongle 101 provides a virtual digital videorecorder. In response to execution of the virtual DVR software, anincoming audio/video signal can be stored in the dongle 101 while beingviewed, while content on another channel is being viewed, and/or whileno content is being displayed. Content also can be retrieved fromstorage (e.g., local and/or remote storage) for viewing while theincoming signal is stored for future use. Storage in the dongle 101 neednot hold an entire program, but can be sufficient to buffer contentarriving from or being sent to content or storage servers (e.g., cloudservers).

The virtual DVR is controlled via the GUI displayed on the displaydevice. In response to inputs to the GUI, the virtual DVR performsvarious DVR functions such as record, play, stop, rewind, fast forward,etc.

In an embodiment, the USB dongle 101 is installed and configured by theuser 160. Alternatively, the USB dongle can be configured by a provider(e.g. a video services provider) before delivery to the user.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a virtual DVR system 200communicating with servers via the internet. In this embodiment, USBdongle 101 is coupled to display device 110 by USB connector 102,display device 110 is located at a residence, and the display device iscoupled to a residential gateway 210 by an Ethernet connection 212. Inanother embodiment, display device 110 may have a wireless connection tothe residential gateway 210. In a further embodiment, display device 110may have an Ethernet connection to a wireless-ready access pointcommunicating with the residential gateway via a WiFi connection.

As shown in FIG. 2, USB dongle 101 and display device 110 communicatewith servers 251, 252, 253 and storage device 260 via a network 250.Network 250 can be the Internet, a service provider network, or someother form of access network (see FIG. 6). In an embodiment, server 251is an application server maintained by a video service provider, forreceiving and managing content requests transmitted from the USB dongle;application server 251 communicates with content server 252 andauthentication server 253. Content server 252 can stream live content tothe display device (via the network and residential gateway), orretrieve content from storage device 260 in accordance with a requestfrom USB dongle 101.

Authentication server 253 can maintain credentials for the USB dongle.In this embodiment, the USB dongle includes a storage device in whichauthentication credentials (including, for example, user accountinformation) are pre-loaded when the dongle is delivered to the user.The dongle credentials may be verified at any time by querying theauthentication server. In further embodiments, the dongle credentialsare portable to other devices; the user may install the dongle in adifferent device (tablet, phone, laptop, etc.) without having to performan authentication procedure. The user account information can bepermanently stored on the USB dongle, so that authorizations orrestrictions on use of the dongle applicable to the user are recognizedat any device where the dongle is installed. In an embodiment, the USBdongle includes a SIM card with information specific to the user.

In other embodiments, the USB dongle 101 can include additional featuresto prevent unauthorized use. For example, the dongle can incorporate afingerprint reader and store the fingerprint of user 160, so that onlyuser 160 is permitted to install the dongle at the display device 110.

Storage device 260 can include a reserved storage area 265 associatedwith USB dongle 101 and user 160. Content recorded by the virtual DVR ofthe dongle software (in accordance with user input via GUI 130) isstored in user storage area 265. In an embodiment, the user purchases acertain amount of storage along with the authenticated USB dongle, andmay purchase additional storage as desired.

In another embodiment, the credentials for the USB dongle are validatedonly for certain channels; that is, the dongle is authorized for useonly on channels specified by the provider. In a further embodiment, theuser may specify channels where use is permitted; this information canbe associated with user account information at the authentication serverand/or stored with user information on a SIM card incorporated in thedongle. The dongle credentials can also specify storage limitations; forexample, if a requested recording of a program will exceed availablestorage in area 265, the recording may not be performed. Alternatively,the user can be automatically charged for additional storage at the timethe recording is requested.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates software functions of the GUI 130 andthe USB dongle 101, in accordance with an embodiment 300 of thedisclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, user 160 provides inputs to GUI 130,either directly at a touchscreen of the display device or by signalsfrom remote control 150. In this embodiment, inputs to the GUI can befor authentication (e.g. entering a password or setup code when thedongle is first installed), to request recording of new content orplayback of previously recorded content, or to perform DVR controlfunctions (play, pause, fast forward, etc.). The software of the USBdongle 101 provides connectivity to various display devices includingdevice 110); causes authentication messages to be sent to and receivedfrom the authentication server 253; decodes streamed or retrievedcontent sent from the content server 252; provides security by blockingrecording of unauthorized channels or by unauthorized users; andtransmits content to the application server 251 for storage.

It will be appreciated that the USB dongle, as shown in FIG. 3, providesa client device for delivering content to the user. The USB dongle alsoprovides local and cloud-based content storage while being portable.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a system 400 showing portability of USBdongle 101, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As shownin FIG. 4, video provider 401 sends broadcast signals to subscribers ina defined service area 405. In this embodiment, a USB dongle installedat display device 410, located within service area 405, can beauthenticated and configured to receive and record content from provider401. If USB dongle 101 is then disconnected and moved to another displaydevice 420, the dongle software can cause content of video provider 401to be displayed at device 420. In this embodiment, the dongle can obtainmedia content from a cloud server at any location, and it not limited toany provider service area. For example, dongle 101, after installationat device 420, can send a request to server 251 to obtain content storedin user area 265 and then display that content on device 420.

In this embodiment, authentication of the USB dongle remains valid afterthe dongle is disconnected and then installed on new device 420. Inother embodiments, authentication server 253 may send a message viadisplay device 420, requiring the user to verify the credentials of USBdongle 101.

In a further embodiment, USB dongle 101 can be provided with a globalpositioning system (GPS) receiver 421, as shown schematically in FIG. 4.The GPS receiver determines the location of the USB dongle when thedongle is powered by a media device. Accordingly, in this embodiment theGPS can detect that the dongle has been moved from an original locationwithin area 405 to a new location outside area 405. Depending on theconfiguration of the dongle (which may be determined at the time ofpurchase or delivery of the dongle), the dongle may be deactivated whenmoved outside service area 405. In another embodiment, the GPS maydetermine the distance from the new location (device 420) to theoriginal location (device 410); the dongle software may then eitherpermit or prevent use of the dongle depending on the distance.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart depicting an illustrative embodiment of amethod 500 for using a virtual DVR client on a USB dongle. The USBconnector 102 of the dongle is connected to a USB port coupled to adisplay device (step 502), which causes a GUI to be displayed at thedisplay device (step 504). If the USB dongle has been pre-authenticated,for example by authentication information loaded on the dongle's storageupon delivery to the user (step 506), the dongle can automaticallytransmit a message to the authentication server and receive confirmationthat the dongle is ready for use (step 512). Otherwise (step 508), theuser inputs information via the GUI to authenticate the dongle.

The display device presents program content (step 512), and alsodisplays a GUI for inputting DVR content requests and/or DVR controlinstructions (step 514). In accordance with the user input via the GUI(step 516), the dongle software performs a recording function orrequests retrieval of content for playback. If the user requests arecording of content on a channel, the dongle software determineswhether recording is authorized for that channel (step 517). If so, thecontent is recorded by the dongle (step 519) and transmitted to theapplication server for storage (step 521).

If the user requests playback of content, the content selection istransmitted to the application server (step 518). The application serverobtains the requested content from the storage server or the contentserver step 520). The user controls the recording and/or playback byinputting instructions via the GUI (step 522).

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communicationsystem 600 for delivering media content. The communication system 600can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media system.Communication system 600 can be overlaid or operably coupled withsystems 100, 200 and/or 400 of FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 4 as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 600. For instance, oneor more devices illustrated in the communication system 600 of FIG. 6can include a device comprising a memory to store instructions and acontroller coupled to the memory, where the controller, responsive toexecuting the instructions, performs operations. The operations caninclude providing a graphical user interface at a display device, andtransmitting an authentication message to a remote authentication serverin accordance with authentication information stored in the memory and afirst input via the graphical user interface. The operations can alsoinclude obtaining an authentication confirmation from the authenticationserver, obtaining content from a remote content server, and recordingthe content in accordance with a second input via the graphical userinterface. The operations can further include transmitting the recordedcontent for storage at a remote storage server. The device can alsoinclude a global positioning system for determining a location for thedevice. The device comprises a dongle having a connector for connectingto the display device; the display device is a subscriber devicecommunicating with equipment of a video provider, the video providerbeing associated with a service area. The authentication informationcomprises information regarding specified media channels. In accordancewith the authentication confirmation, the device is authorized to obtaincontent via the specified media channels based on the location of thedevice relative to the service area. The device communicates with thecontent server and the storage server via the internet.

The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO) 610 withat least one super headend office server (SHS) 611 which receives mediacontent from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In thepresent context, media content can represent, for example, audiocontent, moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games,virtual reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof.The SHS server 611 can forward packets associated with the media contentto one or more video head-end servers (VHS) 614 via a network of videohead-end offices (VHO) 612 according to a multicast communicationprotocol.

The VHS 614 can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an accessnetwork 618 to commercial and/or residential buildings 602 housing agateway 604 (such as a residential or commercial gateway). The accessnetwork 618 can represent a group of digital subscriber line accessmultiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service areainterface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links orcopper twisted pairs 619 to buildings 602. The gateway 604 can usecommunication technology to distribute broadcast signals to mediaprocessors 606 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn presentbroadcast channels to media devices 608 such as computers or televisionsets managed in some instances by a media controller 607 (such as aninfrared or RF remote controller).

The gateway 604, the media processors 606, and media devices 608 canutilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerlineor phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocolsuch as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other presentor next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies.By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invokedbetween the media processors 606 and subsystems of the IPTV media systemfor services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

A satellite broadcast television system 629 can be used in the mediasystem of FIG. 6. The satellite broadcast television system can beoverlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 600. In thisembodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 615 that include mediacontent can be received by a satellite dish receiver 631 coupled to thebuilding 602. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver631 can be transferred to the media processors 606 for demodulating,decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the mediadevices 608. The media processors 606 can be equipped with a broadbandport to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 632 to enableinteractive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcastdistribution system such as cable TV system 633 can be overlaid,operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satelliteTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system600. In this embodiment, the cable TV system 633 can also provideInternet, telephony, and interactive media services.

The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generationover-the-air and/or landline media content services system.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 630, a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing web portal services over the ISP network 632 towireline media devices 608 or wireless communication devices 616.

Communication system 600 can also provide for all or a portion of thecomputing devices 630 to function as an application server, contentserver, or authentication server (herein referred to as server 630). Theserver 630 can use computing and communication technology to performcontent delivery and storage functions which can include among otherthings, the server functions described with reference to FIGS. 2-3. Themedia processors 606 and wireless communication devices 616 can beprovisioned with software functions to utilize the services of server630.

Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices overlandline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, mediaservices can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless accessbase station 617 operating according to common wireless access protocolssuch as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Accessor CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal MobileTelecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave orWiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and soon. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access networktechnologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

It will be appreciated that various communication networks and protocolscan be utilized for delivery of content via the dongle 101, including anIP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network that combines packet-switched andcircuit-switched technologies.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal 702 of acommunication system 700. Communication system 700 can be overlaid oroperably coupled with systems 100, 200 and/or 400 of FIGS. 1, 2 and/or4, and/or communication system 600 as another representative embodimentof communication system 600. The web portal 702 can be used for managingservices of systems 100, 200 and/or 400 of FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 4 andcommunication systems 600-700. A web page of the web portal 702 can beaccessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with an Internet browserusing an Internet-capable communication device such as those describedin FIG. 6. The web portal 702 can be configured, for example, to accessa media processor 606 and services managed thereby such as a DigitalVideo Recorder (DVR), a Video on Demand (VoD) catalog, an ElectronicProgramming Guide (EPG), or a personal catalog (such as personal videos,pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored at the media processor 606. Theweb portal 702 can also be used for provisioning IMS services describedearlier, provisioning Internet services, provisioning cellular phoneservices, and so on.

The web portal 702 can further be utilized to manage and provisionsoftware applications to adapt these applications as may be desired bysubscribers and/or service providers of communication systems 600-700.Service providers can log onto an administrator account to provision,monitor and/or maintain the systems 200, 600, 700 or server 630.

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 800.Communication device 800 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIG. 6. Communicationdevice 800 in whole or in part can represent any of the communicationdevices described in FIG. 6 and can be configured to perform portions ofmethod 500 of FIG. 5.

Communication device 800 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 802 (herein transceiver 802), a user interface (UI) 804, apower supply 814, a location receiver 816, a motion sensor 818, anorientation sensor 820, and a controller 806 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 802 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 802 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 804 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 808 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device800. The keypad 808 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 800 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 808 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 804 can further include a display810 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 800. In anembodiment where the display 810 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 808 can be presented by way of the display 810 withnavigation features.

The display 810 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 800 can be adapted to present a user interface withgraphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a userwith a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 810 can be equippedwith capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology todetect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 810 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 800 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 804 can also include an audio system 812 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 812 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 812 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI804 can further include an image sensor 813 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 814 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 800 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 816 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 800 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 818can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 800 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 820 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device800 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 800 can use the transceiver 802 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 806 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 800.

Other components not shown in FIG. 8 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 800 can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button canbe used to reset the controller 806 of the communication device 800. Inyet another embodiment, the communication device 800 can also include afactory default setting button positioned, for example, below a smallhole in a housing assembly of the communication device 800 to force thecommunication device 800 to re-establish factory settings. In thisembodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paperclip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button.The communication device 800 can also include a slot for adding orremoving an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services,executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

The communication device 800 as described herein can operate with moreor less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 8. These variantembodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

The communication device 800 can be adapted to perform the functions ofthe media processor 606, the media devices 608, or the portablecommunication devices 616 of FIG. 6. The communication device 800 can beadapted to display recorded content and/or provide a GUI for controllinga virtual DVR as described above. It will be appreciated that thecommunication device 800 can also represent other devices that canoperate in communication system 600 of FIG. 6 such as a gaming consoleand a media player.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of theclaims described below.

For example, the dongle 101 can provide HD services (and SD services) toa display device without utilizing an HDMI cable. The dongle 101 canenable local and cloud-based video content storage and media buffering.In one or more embodiments, the dongle 101 can receive content fromother end user devices (e.g., a mobile device in proximity to thedongle) such that the dongle can present (on the display device) contentthat is stored on or otherwise accessible to the mobile device. Otherembodiments can be used in the subject disclosure.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 900 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as the server 630, the servers 251-253, thestorage device 260, and other devices of FIGS. 1-4. In some embodiments,the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network 926) to othermachines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in thecapacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-client usernetwork environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (ordistributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 900 may include a processor (or controller) 902(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 904 and a static memory 906, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 908. The computer system 900 mayfurther include a display unit 910 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 900may include an input device 912 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 914 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 916, a signal generationdevice 918 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 920. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units910 controlled by two or more computer systems 900. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 910, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 910.

The disk drive unit 916 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 922 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 924) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above. Theinstructions 924 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 904, the static memory 906, and/or within theprocessor 902 during execution thereof by the computer system 900. Themain memory 904 and the processor 902 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. It is furthernoted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a statemachine or other suitable device for executing instructions to performoperations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectlyby way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computingdevice.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 922 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 900.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated toachieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodimentsshown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations orvariations of various embodiments. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein,can be used in the subject disclosure. In one or more embodiments,features that are positively recited can also be excluded from theembodiment with or without replacement by another component or step. Thesteps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes ormethods can be performed in any order. The steps or functions describedwith respect to the exemplary processes or methods can be performedalone or in combination with other steps or functions (from otherembodiments or from other steps that have not been described).

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a memory that storesinstructions; a controller coupled to the memory, wherein responsive toexecuting the instructions, the controller performs operationscomprising: providing a graphical user interface at a display device;transmitting an authentication message to a remote authentication serverin accordance with authentication information stored in the memory and afirst input via the graphical user interface; obtaining anauthentication confirmation from the remote authentication server;obtaining content from a remote content server; recording the content inaccordance with a second input via the graphical user interface; andtransmitting the recorded content for storage at a remote storageserver; and a global positioning system for determining a location forthe device, wherein the device comprises a dongle having a connector forconnecting to the display device, wherein the display device is asubscriber device communicating with equipment of a video provider, thevideo provider being associated with a service area, wherein theauthentication information comprises information regarding specifiedmedia channels, wherein, in accordance with the authenticationconfirmation, the device is authorized to obtain content via thespecified media channels based on the location of the device relative tothe service area, and wherein the device communicates with the remotecontent server and the remote storage server via internet.
 2. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the device is provided with the authenticationinformation upon purchase of the device, wherein the authenticationconfirmation is obtained subsequent to connection to the display device,and wherein the device remains authenticated subsequent to disconnectionfrom the display device.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the device isauthorized to obtain content while located outside the service area. 4.The device of claim 2, wherein the display device is a first displaydevice located within the service area, and wherein the device remainsauthenticated subsequent to connection to a second display devicelocated outside the service area.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein theconnector comprises a USB connector.
 6. The device of claim 1, whereinthe display device comprises a mobile device.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the operations further comprise obtaining the recorded contentfrom the remote storage server for display at the display device, inaccordance with a third input via the graphical user interface.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the authentication information stored in thememory comprises personal identifying information of a user of thedevice.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the user is a subscriber to anetwork that includes equipment of the video provider, and wherein thememory comprises a subscriber identity module (SIM) card for storing thepersonal identifying information.
 10. A computer-readable storage devicecomprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause theprocessor to perform operations comprising: providing a graphical userinterface at a display device, the storage device being coupled to thedisplay device; transmitting an authentication message to a remoteauthentication server in accordance with authentication informationstored in the storage device and a first input via the graphical userinterface; obtaining an authentication confirmation from the remoteauthentication server; obtaining content from a remote content server;recording the content in accordance with a second input via thegraphical user interface; transmitting the recorded content for storageat a remote storage server; and obtaining a location for the storagedevice from a global positioning system coupled to the storage device,wherein the display device is a subscriber device communicating withequipment of a video provider, wherein the authentication informationcomprises information regarding specified media channels, and wherein inaccordance with the authentication confirmation, the processor isauthorized to obtain content via the specified media channels based onthe location of the storage device.
 11. The computer-readable storagedevice of claim 10, wherein the storage device is coupled to the displaydevice by a USB connector.
 12. The computer-readable storage device ofclaim 10, wherein the video provider is associated with a service area,and wherein the processor is authorized to obtain the content based onthe location of the storage device relative to the service area.
 13. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 12, wherein the display deviceis a first display device located within the service area, and whereinthe storage device remains authenticated subsequent to being coupled toa second display device located outside the service area.
 14. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 10, wherein the operationsfurther comprise obtaining the recorded content from the remote storageserver for display at the display device, in accordance with a thirdinput via the graphical user interface.
 15. The computer-readablestorage device of claim 10, wherein the display device comprises amobile device.
 16. A method comprising: providing, by a processor in adongle coupled to a display device, a graphical user interface at thedisplay device; transmitting, by the processor, an authenticationmessage to a remote authentication server in accordance withauthentication information stored in a storage device of the dongle anda first input via the graphical user interface; obtaining, by theprocessor, an authentication confirmation from the remote authenticationserver; obtaining, by the processor, content from a remote contentserver; recording, by the processor, the content in accordance with asecond input via the graphical user interface; transmitting, by theprocessor, the recorded content for storage at a remote storage server;and obtaining, by the processor, a location for the storage device usinga global positioning system provided in the dongle, wherein the displaydevice is a subscriber device communicating with equipment of a videoprovider, the video provider being associated with a service area,wherein in accordance with the authentication confirmation, theprocessor is authorized to obtain the content based on the location ofthe dongle relative to the service area.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the authentication information comprises information regardingspecified media channels, and wherein the processor is authorized toobtain the content via the specified media channels.
 18. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the dongle is coupled to the display device by a USBconnector.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the dongle is providedwith the authentication information upon purchase.
 20. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the display device is a first display device locatedwithin the service area, wherein the dongle remains authenticatedsubsequent to disconnection from the first display device and connectionto a second display device located outside the service area.